About Me

Yes, my name really is Nutschell (my friends back in the Philippines used to call me “Nuts”)—and I am a Writing Nut– hence the title of this blog.

I’ve always been nuts about writing, but I never had the inclination to take it seriously. But I woke up one day and realized that life is too short for “could have beens” or “what ifs”. So I decided to fulfill a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl with pigtails (yes, I did wear pigtails once) –to write a book and become a published author.

Since I took the leap into the world of writing, my life has changed drastically.

I’ve learned that writing is all about People—the people we meet who inspire our stories, the people we write our stories for, and the people who help our writing dreams come true.

Thanks to this gained wisdom, I’ve started this blog, finished a middle grade contemporary fantasy noveland young adult urban fantasy novel, and I’ve also become an active member of the writing community.

Of course, aside from these various writing group members, I continue to learn about the craft of writing by reading volumes upon volumes of children’s books, fantasy books, and books on writing; and by attending various writing conferences and workshops.

Although writing is my passion, and takes up majority of my time, I also have other interests which I pursue, and I find that they improve my writing immensely. After all, the best way to come up with story-worthy ideas is to live a story-worthy life.

12 Random Facts About Me

1. I graduated from college with a BA in Psychology.

2. After graduating from college, I went back to High School—this time as an English Teacher.

3. I’m currently working as an accounting clerk, even though I hated Math all throughout my school years.

4. I train with the Los Angeles Doce Pares in the Multi-Style Filipino Martial Art of Escrima. I now know how to fight with sticks, knives, swords and yes, my bare hands—comes in handy when writing action scenes for my novels.

Los Angeles Doce Pares

5. I enjoy singing and playing the guitar. I was a member of the Faculty Choir and the Faculty Band back when I taught at Miriam College High School in the Philippines.

With Faculty Bandmates, 2005

6. I’ve always loved Photography. One day I hope to take actual lessons, but for now I’m a self-taught Photography-junkie.

Salisbury, England 2010, photo by Maiko

7. I can play the drums. Not as well as I’d like, but good enough to drive the cats away.

8. I love playing B sports—Basketball, Badminton, and Bowling. I have yet to try Baseball.

9. I used to play a lot of pool (billiards). In fact, I have my very own pool sticks.

10. I can draw/sketch. I love sketching with pencils and charcoal.

Church, 3-17-07

Eagle, 3-17-07

11. I love traveling.

Stonehenge, 2010

12. I can make some mean desserts. My leche flan, marshmallow cloud cookies and oreo cheesecake are to die for.

Hi Jenn!
Thanks for your kind words! Please feel free to look around. I checked out your website as well. I love that you’re a freelance writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I haven’t read that newspaper in forever. Do keep in touch!

So nice to connect with another children’s writer. Way back in 1985 I spent a wonderful summer in the Philippines–in Cebu City. I’d love to go back. I’m sure your time there gave you lots to write about!

Hi Debbie,
That’s one thing I love about blogging. I get to meet other wonderful writers out there (and I don’t even have to leave my desk!). So glad to have checked out your blog as well. I’ve already subscribed.

Hi Melanie!
Thanks so much for your kind words! One of these days I do hope to generate some revenue (writing is not a financially glamorous career and any amount would help), but for now i’m simply enjoying the simple act of writing.

nuts dear!!! great work you have here! i’m glad you’re on your way to fulfilling your dream. but it urge you to continue dreaming. if you are doing what is good, then your dreams will fall short. hope to see you again!!! love yah!

I saw you on the A-Z Blogging Challenge blog and am a new follower…you have a great blog! I’ve really enjoyed looking around. I also want to have my books published. Good luck with your middle grade book!

I noticed your name on JuneBug’s blog & thought you might be interested in participating in WEEKWORD this week, I’m hosting, so you would need to stop by my blog & leave me a note that you’d like to post your interpretation of the word, ANTICIPATION… it’s a creative nudge that someone hosts each week – quite fun, you get to meet new bloggers, and people will visit your blog to see what you have posted. More info is located on my 4/3/11 posting.

I just love your “about me”. Your story is so encouraging! I, too, have wanted to be a published author for as long as I can recall. I feel like I’m finally beginning to have the belief that it will truly happen and to develop the discipline necessary to get there. You have great info on your site, and I look forward to visiting some more. Best wishes on your fantasy novel!

I guess now I have the privilege to call you “ate” instead of “miss” since we’re not in school (MC) anymore. I hope you can still recall me by name or at least remember me by face. I never had the chance to be your student; though I’m glad I encountered you because of CMA (Campus Ministry Auxiliary) when you became our speaker when we had our retreat back in 2005, I think. Anyway, I just came across your website because I saw the link in your face book. I’m starting to read your blogs and I’m really enjoying it, especially your write-ups about your England trip. Kudos! I also read that you’re starting to write your own story book, good luck on that! I’ll wait for your book to be published in the near future and support you even though we’re oceans apart. Continue doing what you love and keep on dreaming & believing. God bless you & your family!

..thanks for visiting me and your comment regarding Ramlösa … not surprised that you have heard about it. Only 10% goes on export, but for me there is no water like it and I have been drinking water all over the world. Welcome come back.

hi Nuts, this is Jokel, the one behind the “a thotful spot” blog. I just dropped by to thank you for visiting in my blog. I just saw your comment on my entry for the letter J.. and replied to your question on why my blog is spelled that way.

Hi Nutshell
Thank you for responding to my review request. I would like to send you either a paperback or ebook. Can you provide me with your email address and or postal address. You can find me at julie.grasso@optusnet.com.au
I look forward to hearing from you, chees

Hey, I love your site and really admire your ambitious nature and way you just “get things done”
I would love to chat (i.e. ask a ton of questions, I’m lost ) about books and writing. Not sure I see a contact here anywhere. Can you email me maybe? Hope to hear from you! Thanks

I ‘accidentally’ stubbled on the link to your site via Karen Lange. And how glad I did. With English being my dual language ( I am 60 and lived Down Under in NZ for 30 years) I love reading english texts. Keeps me sharp.

Your site looks AMAZING, and gives me food for thought to step out of the box in how I could set mine up as opposed to the ‘standard’ design.

The things I have read so far intrigue me to read more – I will be a regular visitor if that’s ok with you.

Very cool site. I enjoyed it for the first time so much. Love the writer interview feature. Came to this site to check out LeeAnne Krusemark as I am contemplating taking a course on Ed2Go for beginning publishing. (By the way, Ed2Go photography courses are fabulous if you ever want a six-week course on so many different kinds of digital photography. I have taken many!) Thanks and I will check back for your weekly interviews!

So nice to meet you. I’m glad my friend LD Masterson was your guest today on the blog, so I could meet another friend. I loved your 12 facts and the pictures. We have a couple of things in common. Well, writing for one, but also guitar and sketching.

I wanted to know if I can find a mentor for poem writing. I recently started writing and as I have no background – neither educational nor professional, I would really like to find a person who can help me find a way to excel and probably make it be professional.